Leeds United give Sunderland green light as Leo Hjelde transfer update emerges - Fabrizio Romano

Leeds United have given Sunderland the green light to sign club outcast Leo Hjelde on a permanent deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer specialist reported via X [29 January] that the Whites are set to sell the full-back to the Black Cats for £2million.

It is understood that the 20-year-old has accepted the club's contract proposal ahead of a January transfer move away from Elland Road, following Luke Ayling and Djed Spence.

Only a matter of time

Most Leeds fans could see that Hjelde was not going to last much longer at Elland Road, especially under the guidance of Daniel Farke.

There is no doubt that he can be a bright talent under the right leadership but there is little space for the youngster to develop at Leeds currently.

The Norway U21 international has only made three appearances since returning from a six-month loan at Rotherham United last season, adding to his six Leeds matches since signing for the club in 2021.

Even with Farke's issues at full-back, such as injuries forcing Archie Gray to deputise in the position, Hjelde has still not been involved in the first team this season, having not even made the matchday squad in the league since September.

Hjelde is certainly a player that Leeds can afford to cut loose, even with their ongoing search for a new full-back after the departures of Ayling and Spence.

For £2million, the likelihood is that the Whites have made somewhat of a profit on the full-back, having joined the squad for an undisclosed fee from Celtic as a teenager. [BBC Sport]

In other Leeds United news, a manager has spoken out on a move for an “unplayable” ace the Whites want this month, as he was tipped to be a “great signing” at Elland Road.

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